Driskel's progress to be on display Saturday

Friday

Apr 5, 2013 at 8:21 PM

Gators wrapping up spring workouts Saturday

By ROBBIE ANDREUGainesville Sun

GAINESVILLE — Having to replace a 1,000-yard rusher, the team's leading receiver and six defensive starters, the Florida Gators had plenty of priorities heading into their third spring under coach Will Muschamp.

But perhaps Priority One was improving quarterback play and the downfield passing game. That was evident when Muschamp announced the day before practice started that cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy, one of the team's most dynamic athletes, was going to play wide receiver exclusively for the first seven practices.

Now that spring is coming to a close today with a practice in The Swamp that is open to the public, Muschamp said he is confident the Gators have taken care of their top priority.

“I think we're much more efficient,” he said. “We've made some vertical plays down the field against some cornerbacks that can cover. So, that's been pleasing to see. Jeff (Driskel) has been very accurate with the football. I've been pleased with the progress. I'm very pleased with where we are in the throwing game.”

Muschamp said Driskel, with a year of experience as the starter, is making quicker and better decisions, and that some of the wide receivers have started making plays for him.

“I think it's been kind of across the board (with the receivers),” Muschamp said. “One consistent guy has been Quinton Dunbar, who has continued to make plays. Through (last) season I thought he improved tremendously. He continues to make strides.

“Latroy (Pittman) has done some nice things. Loucheiz, when he is on that side of the ball, has done some nice things. Andre Debose has hit some plays.

“They are improving at the position. I've been pleased with the progress.”

Offensive coordinator Brent Pease said there will be noticeable changes in the offense.

“You're probably going to notice more in two ways,” Pease said. “I think productivity from the wideouts, getting the ball. And it's going to probably be generated from Jeff just being really in rhythm and understanding defenses and where to go with the ball.

“And keeping the ball moving much more, moving the chains so we're not off-balance here and there. We're much more consistent in what we do on a drive-for-drive basis.”

Overall, Muschamp said it's been a positive spring despite the fact the Gators have so many offensive linemen on the injured list that UF can't hold its annual spring game today.

The Gators will hold a typical Saturday spring practice today that will include some scrimmage situations.

The heir apparent to Mike Gillislee at tailback is sophomore Matt Jones, who has emerged as the clear starter this spring.

At tight end, the Gators are still searching for a playmaker to replace Jordan Reed, last season's go-to guy in the passing game.

UF also is still looking to fill some holes on defense and at placekicker, where the Gators must replace Caleb Sturgis, one of the most productive field-goal kickers in school history.

“We've got to continue to search for some answers in the secondary at safety, and more depth at linebacker,” Muschamp said.